Dieppe - seven years ago.

 

B Group Ride from Cobham on the 3rd July

From Cobham we will head North for a few lumpy miles before turning South heading up Staple lane, then down Green Dene to lunch at the Duke of Wellington, East Horsley.

Tea will be back North to Hampton Court

Please let me know by 6.pm Monday if you intend to join the ride.

Tony .

"A" Group ride on Wednesday 3rd July

 Wednesday's ride from Cobham RBL will skirt around the edge of Guildford and head down for lunch at The Admiral pub in Ash Vale (a late change of venue and a new one to me, and subject to a final recon on Monday...long story, ask me on the ride if you want to know!!).

21 miles to lunch, and then 22 miles post-lunch for tea at a cafe of your choice depending on arrival time in Walton-on-Thames (Riverhouse Barn - last orders 3.30pm, Wilde Brunch at Walton Bridge - 4pm). 

All on road and no major climbs, about 650m climbing in total.

Please e-mail me at bartholomews@blueyonder.co.uk  by 7pm on Monday evening if you would like to join the ride.

A Group Ride Report - Wednesday 26 June

For some reason entries came in very slowly, but I was relieved to find that a respectable 18 joined our ride to Warren Row Velolife, including the welcome return of Steve Wiltshire.

First group off included Andy H, Dave B, Mike, Neil W and Janice, led by Fiona. 

                              

We set off in glorious weather, lovely route and arrived at Velolife in Warren Row in good time for toasted sandwiches sitting in the much needed shade. A good route back, diverting around Staines due to the fire. Thank you to Janice for back marking and my group for their company and assisted leading / navigation.

Dave W was second.

Dave's ride marked my return to the A's after an eight-week lay-off and, mercifully, there weren't too many hills and there was plenty of shade! My group (Peter S, Frances, Steve D and Steve W) set off promptly and, praise be the Lord, had a largely uneventful ride! Dave V's excellent route took us out into an area we don't often get the chance to visit and there was an abundance of charming, and pretty well traffic-free, lanes. Somewhat to my astonishment, we reached lunch well before 1.00 pm and were able to relax over lunch in the shade and fill water bottles before setting off again into the inferno!

           

An intriguing route led us back to Staines, where inferno was the operative word! My group unintentionally missed a lot of the action by detouring into Lammas Rec to use the facilities, then deliberately detoured again around the riverside walk to sidestep the disruption. We saw lots of fire engines in the distance, but all the action was over! After a few more miles we were at tea and my ride was, blissfully, almost over. The rest of the group still all had a reasonable distance to ride to get home and that most have been a hot and sticky ride! Well done everyone for sticking it out on a very long day, and thanks to Peter S for backmarking.


Last off was my group comprising Sue C, Richard, Dave F, Andy C, plus Ged who had remained behind to wrangle with a mysterious puncture and Hans who arrived to make up the lucky Seven.

The initial ascent of Tite Hill was the only climb of the day, and the delightful traverse of Windsor Great Park was the idea of Neil C, who was unfortunately unable to join us. For the rest of the morning we benefitted from plenty of shade, with a temperature only about 25°.

I had planned that the groups arrive about 10 minutes apart, to allow for Velolife’s restricted sandwich toasting capacity, which seemed to work ok, and we still had plenty of time together.

      

My group left last. The afternoon started shady, but approaching Windsor the shade disappeared and the temperature increased to 30°+. Not too bad if you kept moving, but when stopped it was clear we were riding in a furnace.

       

We arrived in Staines which was in lockdown due to a fire, but thankfully Dave W’s group arrived to pilot us along the riverbank path which was still open. One benefit of the lockdown was that the road onwards to Shepperton was quieter than usual.

We met up with Dave’s group again in Shepperton and those taking tea rode together to Squires in Upper Halliford, for a welcome (for me at least) rest.

Thanks everyone for coming out on a challenging day, especially Fiona and Dave W, and in my group Ged for backmarking.

Peter Tiller Thanksgiving Service

 Thanksgiving Service will be held on Friday 5th July at 11:30 am at

All Saints Church

Chestnut Avenue

KT10 8JL

 If you are planning to attend please let Ray Wren know ASAP So arrangements can you made by his wife Pam.

email

raymondwren@fastmail.co.uk

 

Tony..

A Group - Wednesday 26 June - Egham

Start: Egham, Manor Farm DC, Manor Farm Lane TW20 9HR

We will again be heading into Berkshire to sample some delightful lanes and scenery.

Lunch at Velolife, Warren Row. It’s not far from last week’s lunch spot, but I intend to get there without duplicating any of Neil’s route. 22 Miles all on road, minimal climbing, Tite Hill excepted.

Velolife offers toasted sandwiches and cakes, no need to pre-book.

Tea at Upper Halliford Squires. 26 Miles, only Bray footbridge off-road, mostly downhill.

I hope you can join me. If so, please email d.vine207@btinternet.com  by Monday evening.

B Group Ride 26 June

B Group ride Wednesday the 26th

11's Egham day centre.  TW20 9HX

Lunch will be at Dinton Pastures country park The Coffee House, RG10 0TH, around 23 miles. 

Tea wil be at Liberto's,TW20 9FE, Egham around 19 miles.

Not a hilly ride. 

Please PM on WhatsApp or email me if you would love like to join the ride.

tonyiahopkins@gmail.com

Tony..

Report of the A ride to Littlewick Green on 19 June.

After a wet recce, the forecast was for a much better day for the ride. It was a little chilly when I left home but by the time I got to Weybridge the day had warmed up. Unfortunately the Day Centre is presently closed on Wednesdays so we had a free choice of all the cafes in Weybridge. However the majority of the riders were congregating around Cafe Verditer in Baker Street.

Hans' group was first away and here is his report.

My group set off from Weybridge confident in reaching lunch on time. How foolish? A combination of Garmin glitches, my confidence in the map I was following and the supreme confidence of those who should know better to believe I knew where I was going, meant that we went on a mystery tour. The eventual realisation that Woking was way off line resulted in a swift return to the route via Chobham and Sunningdale, aided by Andy’s map reading skills. Without further interesting detours we arrived just 25 mins later than scheduled.

A nice lunch was followed by an almost perfect ride to Shepperton.

Thanks to all in my group for their patience and misplaced belief in me .
I’ve tendered my resignation as ride leader.



Brian was next away and this is what he said.


It was great to have a warm, sunny day for a ride and lovely pub at the end of it. It was my first sub-lead west into Berkshire for a long time but at least some of the route in both directions was fairly familiar. Our group of 6: Sue C, Ged, Richard, Steve D and Peter S set off on time and the group was a pleasure to lead.
In spite of the Ascot traffic at Lovel Lane, a dislodged chain after Warfield and overshooting the last turn onto the track to the pub we arrived a few minutes ahead of Neil's schedule to find we were the first there.





On the return Breadcroft Lane provided its fair share of cars, walkers and dogs to avoid but after that we resumed a good pace though there was a bit of headwind towards Windsor. We arrived back at Shepperton Lock before 3.30 and were joined by Neil's group shortly afterwards. My thanks to Neil for the route, especially avoiding the traffic through Windsor, and to Peter for back marking.



Last to leave Weybridge was my group of Paula, Simon, Andy C and Daves V, F and E. There was a bit more traffic than usual around Windsor Great Park due to the Ascot Races but after Lovel Lane the roads became quieter and quieter until we reached the farm track and headed across the fields to reach The Cricketers.

After lunch we re-joined the traffic free route and completed our circumnavigation of White Waltham Airfield. Then on to Windsor, Datchet, Staines and finally Shepperton Lock. Here teas and ice cream were consumed and we sat in the sunshine grateful that summer had arrived at last.

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY - calling members with IT skills up their sleeve to apply for this vital role!

We are looking for an enthusiastic person with a basic level of IT knowledge to join the committee as Membership Secretary (MS). The role includes collecting subscriptions and ensuring that we are complying  with all data protection legislation. A full role description can be found here. As well as the dry IT stuff the role is a great way to meet new members and welcome them to the club. The new MS will  be fully supported by the Committee and Reps/helpers from each group (A’s, B’s and Easy Riders). The job description may sound a little daunting however the bulk of the work is done once a year when most of the subs are collected and data is managed and archived.

Current members of the committee will provide a full handover and support any candidate with necessary teaching they may require to fulfil the role. We will also be more than happy to discuss the role over an informal chat if you are tempted but would like more information. Please drop me an email if you are interested.

With best wishes

Sue

Sue.foster39@gmail.com

 

A Service of Thanksgiving for Peter Tiller

Ray Wren has received this information from Pam Tiller about plans for a Service of Thanksgiving for Peter.

Following their private family goodbye at the Crematorium earlier in the day the Thanksgiving Service will be held on Friday 5th July at 11:30 am at

All Saints Church

Chestnut Avenue

KT10 8JL

~ Tim C

The B Groups Ride to Osterley 19th June 2024

 

On Wednesday the 19^th, we were blessed with some brilliant weather to cycle in. Eighteen of us met at the Ferry Café at Shepperton lock for a gentle ride taking in the west of London parks. We set off early at 10.30 to get to the pub at Osterley by around 12.45, followed by the other 2 groups at 10.40 and 10.50. Tony Hopkins led the first group away consisting of Pam, Liz, Gill, John and Karl. This was followed by Arwyn’s group, consisting of Sabina, Bernard, Davey, Christina, Tony Hooker, Ian and a late starter Geoff who met up with them at Bushy Park. And finally, by Ray’s group consisting of Tim, Paul, Anne, Ann and Colin. The route took us through Hampton, Bushy Park, across the river at Teddington Lock, through to Ham gate and Richmond Park. 

The wild life up close in Bushy Park

We then left the park at Sheen Gate, crossed the river Thames via Chiswick Bridge then onto the cycle paths of Brentford. Unfortunately, the cycle ways are still allegedly under construction, that meant negotiating some street furniture to keep off the main road and then on to Osterley.

Arwyn's Group enjoying the delights of Bushy Park

Ray’s Group in Richmond Park

On reaching the pub, our preordered food was ready for us and quickly consumed. We then spent some time chatting before starting on our way back to Hampton Court. Our route this time was through Osterley Park, down London Road to Syon Park, Isleworth, St Margarets, Twickenham, Bushy Park and onto Dish at Hampton Court.

The ride was very enjoyable due to the excellent weather, the great company and the relatively traffic free roads that we encountered. Arwyn did a great job of sub-leading his first ride and a big thank you to Tony Hopkins for helping me out by sub-leading. Just in case I forget, thank you also to John, Davey and Tim for back marking the groups.

Ray Y 

Spotted today in Weare Street

 

The A Ride from Weybridge on 19th June.

This week we will be heading west to The Cricketers at Littlewick Green and returning to Shepperton Lock for tea.

The Cricketers has an extensive menu (here - https://cricketers-berkshire.co.uk/ ) and this sandwich menu.

24 miles before lunch and 23 after.

Please email me on neilcrocker123@gmail.com by Monday 6pm to book your place. 

PS - on the recce I noticed that "Queen Elizabeth" and "Prince Philip" no longer live in Fifield!

Peter Tiller has died

 

Peter on his first ride with Wayfarers

We have heard some very sad news from Ray Wren, that Peter Tiller has died (Tuesday 11th June). Ray received a call from Peter's wife Pam on Wednesday morning to tell him and ask him to let us know. 

Peter has cycled with our Wayfarers groups since 2010. In recent years he became seriously ill but continued to turn up to ride with the Easy Riders whenever he was able to, including numerous rides this year.

Our thoughts are with Pam and their family.

~ Tim

 

FOR SALE: CARBON FIBRE ROAD BIKE, L size, £800 

Pearson “Hammer and Tongs” 2016. View and test ride in Fulham/Richmond Park. 

Ultegra Di2 groupset, 11speed, 50/34 with 12-32t cassette 

Traditional set up: rimbrakes, traditional skewer arrangement, tubed tyres, 23/28mm 

1st wheelset: Fulcrum Racing 6 or Racing 3.  2nd wheelset: Mavic Aksium One with almost new cassette. 

An endurance bike that offers excellent all day riding for someone 6ft- 6ft 3inches.  A good bike for Mt Ventoux and other vertical challenges.  Not set up as a tourer but versatile; my son, Tim, comfortably rode LEJOG Spring 2021, carrying all that was required for an unsupported hotel-hotel ride, using inframe bags. 

Professionally maintained, limited amount of obvious wear and tear.  The bike was refurbished (new bottom bracket, new chain wheels, chain and cassette) and thoroughly overhauled in 2022.  V little use since then.  Surveyed by Pearson on 01.05.2024 and deemed fit to ride. 

 

 

GEOFFREY SHIELDS 07768 045 698 geoffrey.shields@outlook.com